Project Hope

Project Hope is a comprehensive program for pregnant and parenting teens (age 12-19) that addresses the many needs of pregnant/parenting teens in the community. In addition, through the CPS Prevention Initiative, we are able assist young mothers age 20-25 with many of the same services.

Marillac’s Project Hope programs include.

Prenatal and parenting groups that focus on the relationship between mother and baby
Regular Home visits before and after the birth of the child
Doula birthing services that support for teenage mothers during labor and delivery
Referrals to schools, housing, health agencies, job training and recreational activities
Developmental assessments and infant mental health services for newborns

Teen Parent and Early Childhood Development Services

Project Hope empowers teens to work towards self sufficiency, care for their child and move towards a positive future for their family.

Description:

Project Hope has been serving pregnant and parenting teens on the west side for 30 years. The program operates year round offering home visits, prenatal groups, parenting groups, field trips, educational experiences, referrals and family group activities. The program works with pregnant and parenting teens, their children and extended families.
Referrals are accepted from community agencies, hospitals, clinics, schools, word of mouth and the community.

Eligibility:

Resident of the West Side of Chicago
Target Population: Pregnant and Parenting Teens 13-21 years old, 13-19 at intake
Priority is given to first time pregnant teen
Capacity-60 teens and their families

Program Services:

Initial Engagement/screening/assessments
One on one regular home visits using the PAT (Parents as Teachers) curriculum
Doula Services (Birth Assistant) which include: home visits, prenatal groups, referrals, doctor visits, education, and participation in the birth of the child
Screenings, goal setting for parent and child
Prenatal and Parenting groups
Prenatal Group Tuesdays 2:30-5:30PM
Parent Groups Mondays and Wednesdays 2:30-5:30PM
Infant Mental Health-relationship focused to strengthen families
Family Activities, field trips, (educational, recreational, and cultural), parent/child interaction activities
Heart to Heart Group sessions-Improves the pregnant and parenting teen’s ability to protect children from child abuse
Referrals to health care, school, employment, housing, etc…

Assessments & Curriculum

Parents as Teacher Curriculum-Research based offers parents practical ways to encourage learning, manage challenging behavior and promote strong parent child interaction
Parent/Child Questionnaire
PCOG –Parent Child Observation Guide- Families participate in two videos per year demonstrating parent child daily activities
Community Based FANA- Family Administered Neonatal Assessment-pre and postpartum bonding experiences
Pre-post partum Depression Screening
ASQ - Ages and Stages Questionnaire - Children 0-5 years old

If you have any additional questions or would like to request further information, please contact Gwen Horton, Director of Project Hope at 773-584-3211.

Mothers and children enjoy a snack during the Project Hope meeting